25 Days of Star Wars Music - day 25
Merry Christmas! What better way to end this musical advent calendar of sorts with the song that piece that literally began it all. It was first piece of original music we hear in the film, and the first piece that was heard in the original vinyl release. And continues to begin it all for many a new Star Wars fan. Orginally written as "Luke's theme/Main Title." It really showcases John's incredible writing ability. As the theme can be put through multiple permutations. From the softer version when we first meet Luke, to the action version when he swings across with Leia. The in "The Empire Strikes Back" the theme is almost always written in minor key, showing Luke's many defeats and failures. To make a triumphal return in "Return of the Jedi."
Beyond that it shows how a good theme can take on different meanings and be recontextualized by the evolving story. As the franchise took a hard left turn away from being the adventures of Luke Skywalker and company, and becoming a family drama that Luke was only one member of. Quickly the theme became the theme for the saga as a whole. And a theme for action, adventure, and heroism. Being heard for our first introduction to the Jedi in action in "The Phantom Menace" and later as a "Scherzo for X-wings", in "The Force Awakens." And it's expanded into the larger universe. With nearly every game beginning with it. It truly has become the theme for "Star Wars."
Of course just because the musical journey is at an end doesn't mean the music is. There so much more out there. And it you are like me, you listen to, or perhaps play "Star Wars" music on a nearly daily basis. So here's some places. To get some good music. Film Score Media
https://youtube.com/channel/UC35nijmGW_6McYTYvpvvZeA
The best place for Star Wars music. He has almost everything from the Special Edition album releases of the Original Trilogy, to extended and reconstructed scores for the Prequels and many of the games.
There's also my playlist of the complete 9 Star Wars scores.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT6RDBajznkSWwVbwPCK0W8tTWpYKx3Uq
Or the official album releases instead.
And if you listen in Spotify.
STAR WARS The Skywalker Saga
There's also my complete Star Wars playlist on Spotify. Which contains pretty much every piece of official Star Wars music released on Spotify. I continually update it as new stuff comes out.
The STAR WARS Saga
Thank for listening. Merry Christmas! And may the Force be with you!